Radar-Assisted UE Positioning Through Sensing-Communication Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in associating sensing information with user equipment (UE) for accurate positioning and tracking, particularly in millimeter wave and terahertz spectrums, as base stations lack UE identifiers and rely solely on object detection and classification.

Innovation Solution

Integrate radar and sensing capabilities into base stations to track UE locations using complementary sensing information, employing methods such as timing advance, beam information, uplink signals, and mobility information to associate sensing identifiers with communication node identifiers, generating radar heat maps, and refining location information through periodic updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If base stations use object detection and classification only, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of UE location deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase station complexityVSAvoidUE location precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the tracking function into two parts: sensing node performs radar-based detection and classification of objects, while communication node identifies specific UE using communication signals. This division allows each node to specialize, improving overall measurement precision without overwhelming single-base-station complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A location server acts as an intermediary that receives sensing information from sensing nodes and communication information from communication nodes, then correlates them to identify UE locations. This intermediary coordinates the two information sources, achieving precise UE location measurement while distributing system complexity across multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If base stations integrate radar and sensing capabilities, then UE tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE tracking accuracyVSAvoidbase station complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates universal location tracking functionality by enabling different node types (sensing nodes with radar, communication nodes with communication signals) to contribute to the same UE tracking objective. Each node type maintains its specialized function while collectively achieving comprehensive tracking accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a new dimension to UE tracking by introducing sensing information (radar-based object detection) as a complementary layer to traditional communication-based tracking. This dimensional addition improves tracking accuracy in millimeter wave and terahertz spectrums without requiring every base station to perform all functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If sensing information is associated with UE identifiers, then location information reliability is improved, but loss of information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information reliabilityVSAvoidinformation association overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary association between sensing information and UE identifiers through the location server, which pre-correlates sensing data with communication data before handover or tracking decisions are made. This preliminary action ensures reliable location information is ready when needed, reducing information loss during critical operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The location server continuously receives and correlates sensing information with communication information, creating a feedback loop that maintains accurate UE location associations. This ongoing feedback process ensures location information reliability while managing information association overhead through efficient correlation algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate UE tracking and positioning without feedback, improving handover, blockage detection, and emergency call services by associating sensing information with communication nodes, enhancing network operations and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing node may obtain sensing information from a sensed object by radar or other sensing capability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4238321B1Associating sensing information with a user
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4238321B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4238321B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4238321B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

Certain example embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for associating sensing information with a user (e.g., a cellular user) by, for example, determining information from both a sensing node and a communication node, then associating the a sensed object and the communication node based on the information. Additionally, or alternatively, some embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for radar and sensing-based positioning.